Monthly Archives: January 2010

Craft Tutorial: Valentine Garlands

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I used to not like Valentine’s Day. But I think I didn’t like it because I thought I wasn’t supposed to since I’ve always been single on Valentine’s Day. But that’s just ridiculous. Who doesn’t love love? Even if you are single. So now I wholly embrace the day, the decorations, and the candy. Oh my gosh I love Valentine’s candy. It’s seriously the best holiday candy ever with all the cherry sours, cinnamon lips, chewy cherry hearts, strawberry jelly-beans & candy corns. Oh mercy. Have I told you that I’m off sugar as of two weeks ago? Yeah. Note to self: don’t go off sugar right before Valentine’s Day.

So anyhow, to kick off the countdown to the day of LOVE, I thought I’d share a simple craft tutorial for a couple of Valentine Garlands.

They’re sweet and simple to make and are a LOVEly addition to your decorations. All you need is an assortment of felt in your desired colors, scissors, and a sewing machine.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut out circles of all sizes from your felt. I chose a light pink, hot pink, and white, and I cut my circles anywhere from a 1/2 inch to 2 inches. If you were going to make this “jumbo” size, I’d cut your circles anywhere from 3 to 5 inches.

2. Lay out your circles in a line, alternating colors to create a pattern. Mix up your sizes to create more visual interest.

3. Sew them together. Like ducks in a row, one right after the other.

4. Keep sewing until you’ve reached your desired length. And then you’re done! Easy peasy right?! Now decorate! These look darling strung from just about anything. Lampshades, mirrors, across the piano, curtain rods, banisters …

You can also change it up and instead of circles, do hearts. For this garland, I used cranberry and cream felts.

Or you could do jumbo-sized hearts…

It’s really up to you. Happy sewing!

Oh, and come back at 1:00 p.m. MST today when I’ll have news on this month’s give-away.

***

If you love these garlands, but don’t want to make your own, I have a few up for sale in the shop.

Pink polka-dot garland here (This one would also look cute in a little girls room all year round.)

Small red heart garland here

Large red heart garland here

Toss Your Hat in the Ring!

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Hi friends. Remember when I launched this new blog a few weeks ago, announced a drawing to celebrate, and then promptly forgot about said drawing.

You do?

Hm. Me too.

SO sorry!

So here’s what we’re going to do about it … I’m extending the drawing through the weekend. I’ll announce the winner on Monday, Feb. 1. To enter, leave a comment below … just tell me the best thing about your 2010 so far. And you can also receive additional entries for:

1. Joining the mailing list (over there on the right)

2. Becoming a fan on Facebook

3. Post the contest on your Facebook page

4. Following the Twitter

5. Tweeting this contest (include @kristaqm in your tweet)

6. “Heart” Island Belle Boutique on Etsy

7. Let your own blog readers know about this drawing.

(Don’t forget to tell me about all the extra “actions” you took for additional entries in the comments below.)

Here are the 3 gifts I’ll be giving away.

a) Brown and turquoise paisley print handbag. Fully lined with magnetic snap closure. Uh … so cute!

b) Pink poppy headband. Thin wire band = comfortable fit. Sweet, romantic accessory. Just in time for Valentine’s Day.

c) “Be Still & Know” – a fine art print. 5 x 7 matted photograph. A soft reminder and beautiful piece of art. You can see a closer view of the photograph here.

So there you have it. Thanks again friends, for all your support and encouragement through all this. I really can’t explain how scary this whole transition has been. Some of you stuck with me. Some didn’t (sad). I still have a ways to go but I know I’m on the path to where I’m supposed to get to next. So let me know you’re out there and let me give you presents for being so great. :) A win-win I’d say.

xo

My Wish for You, My Readers and Friends

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Good morning friends.

Today I wish for you …

a handful of ordinary miracles

an unexpected text message from someone who loves you

sunshine (in the sky or in your heart)

peaceful thoughts

a great playlist on your iPod

the energy to run

the desire to give

the ability to receive

an answer to a prayer

a long lunch

and the knowledge that you are amazing.

Have a fantastic Thursday.

xo

Krista

Dear Darling {5}

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Dear Darling,

I am so sorry to have to say this.

But I’m leaving you.

For Michael Buble.

Stop laughing at me.

I’m serious. Just look at this:

We’ve had a really good run, you and me, but after I’d watched that video for the 15th time in a row, I realized I needed to be honest with you. I really am so sorry. I just can’t help myself. (I may or may not have kissed the computer screen.)

So. Just know, you’re wonderful. But he’s … well he’s Michael Buble.

Peace out.

xo (or not),
me

Here’s to Monday–A New Day & Another Chance

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{Sunrise, January 5, 2010}

I like Monday mornings. I didn’t used to though. Mondays used to mean the end of the weekend (that was always inevitably too short) and the reality that I had to go back to a job that made me want to poke my eyeballs out. Bulldozers couldn’t pry me out of bed on time on those Monday mornings.

But now, Monday morning means the beginning of a new week full of new possibilities and opportunities. And I’m big on things like that—the beginnings of measurements of time, that is. I’ve always loved the first few days of the New Year, new weeks, new school years, Summer, or Spring, or Fall, or Winter, a new morning, and the like. I love the cycle of it. How those beginnings always come back around. How there’s always another chance to do or try something again, and this time, to hopefully do it better.

And so I like Mondays because it means I get a “do-over” on the things I didn’t get right last week. And I seem to need a lot of do-overs in my life. I get lax on things. Or forgetful about things. And I need the chance to go back to the beginning and give it another shot.

So here’s to Monday. Here’s to being better than I was last week. Here’s to new beginnings and do-overs. Here’s to giving life another shot.

Cheers!

How To: Get Through A Rough, Uncertain Day (Just the Basics)

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Do you want to know a secret? Well, it’s more of a confession really.

Here it is: Sometimes I’m not sure about what I’m doing.

I try to talk a good game. But every so often, my uncertainty bubbles up to the surface and I find myself in a bit of a cloudy funk for a day or so.

Do you ever feel like that? Like, you look around you, at what you’re doing, or where you are, or who you’re with and you’re like, “What in the heck am I doing?”

One time my sisters and I were sitting in the living room with our mom and dad, and dad looked at all of us and said, “Twenty years ago, I didn’t know any of you, and now I’m responsible for feeding and clothing and paying for everything for all of you.” He of course didn’t mean anything by it and we all laughed.

But I suppose that’s why people divorce or buy Ferrari’s at the age of 50 or get plastic surgery or up and leave everything to go backpack through Asia, or worst case scenario– kill themselves (Don’t read anything into that last one. I’m just pontificating.). Because one day, they look at their life, and maybe the babies are smelly and screaming, or maybe the wife doesn’t look like she did when she was 20, or maybe the professional success hasn’t come as anticipated, or maybe the kids at school are cruel and hurtful, or maybe life’s not as glamorous as pictured in college, or maybe something just didn’t go as planned, and you think, “What am I doing here?”

Well. Today is one of those days. The rush of “getting going” has died down and I woke up a little bit nervous and a little bit directionless. I’m a little bit uncertain about what to do next to make this all work. And I’m totally blank about where this will all end up.

But I’m also one who thinks that just because you have an “off” day, doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel or shave your head. Just because your spouse loses their looks or humor or appeal, doesn’t mean you should leave them. Just because the house is a wreck and the kids are hungry and you haven’t showered for 4 days, doesn’t mean motherhood isn’t sweet. Just because your bank account isn’t overflowing and customers aren’t flying through the door, doesn’t mean your professional life is a failure. Just because people are unkind to you or ignore you, doesn’t mean you’re not worth more than the world. And just because you’re uncertain about what to do next, doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.

It just means you’re living. And sometimes (most of the time) life is uncertain. Sometimes it’s confusing. And it rarely turns out how you picture it. Yes, sometimes a change of course is needed. Sometimes doing something drastic can do much to add some spice back into life–I do think life should be spicy.* But I think most of the time, on rough, uncertain days, you just need to (read: I need to), say a little prayer, and then get up, get moving, and go do something. Even if it’s just take a shower or a walk around the block. Make a list of five things you can do, that you have control over that day. And do them one at a time. Cross them off the list. And celebrate your success each time.

Because the great thing is, that eventually–and I really do believe this–the uncertainty or worry or whatever goes away. And you see clearly that life always turns out better than you picture it.

___

*Just wanted to clarify that I do not advocate divorce or death as possible options for change and/or spice. Although I do advocate divorce in abusive situations or instances of infidelity.

The Persistence of Nature

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Though dark and hidden

There lies beneath

The hard, unyielding plain

A seed of strength

A source of life

Just waiting for the rain

And though years may pass

And cynics tread

Upon its want and track

The seed will break

And slowly push

Past earth that pushes back

Til it claims its place

And reaches high

Becoming all

It was always meant to be

Dear Darling {4}

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Dear Darling,

I need to tell you something terribly important. You must never forget it and you must embrace it as though my love for you depends on it–because it does.

It is this: you must love Frit.

You will, of course, never love her as much as, or in the same way, I do. But still, you must love her, if for no other reason (though there are millions) than that she has been here, while you haven’t.

Please know–I don’t say that to be hurtful. I am grateful to know that all things happen in God’s time (even if He is really slow sometimes), and I know both of us, you and me, have needed this time to do, and to become.

But I will admit, the waiting is hard. Sometimes the absence of you is so crushing that it drops me to my knees. And of course there is always the lingering worry that maybe you won’t find me. But in these moments, when a few tears might fall, when no one else is here, she is. When no one else understands, she does.

Ours is a friendship that runs an ocean deep. Our scars, and hearts, are kindred. And our lives, hers and mine, are tangled up eternally.

So you must love her. Don’t forget, ok?

xo,
me

p.s. You probably owe her a big fat “thank you” too, for pinch hitting while you’re off wherever you are, doing whatever you’re doing. I’m just sayin’.

On Becoming Wonder Woman

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When I was 4 or 5, I wanted to become Wonder Woman when I grew up. I even had the uniform to prove my dedication. Well, my “uniform” was actually Underoos, but never mind that minor detail. I was certain I was the next Wonder Woman in training. One day, in fact, I prayed that God would let me “dream of Wonder Woman” while I slept. (Not kidding.)

When I was 11 or 12, I wanted to become a famous singer. Many an afternoon was spent in front of my bedroom mirror preparing for future interviews with Oprah. With my microphone (translation: hairbrush) in hand, I would practice my smile, photo shoot poses, and answering questions asked by an imaginary Ms. Winfrey.

When I was 17 or 18, I wanted to become a high school English teacher. Language had worked its way into my soul and I couldn’t seem to get enough of the worlds it introduced me to. The margins of my schoolbooks were filled with notes and asterisks of impressions and insights I didn’t want to forget. I’d read and reread particularly moving passages until the imagery had seeped so deep it forever became a part of me. And so I thought, that as a teacher I could help others discover, as I had, the wonder of words.

When I was 19, a major placement test at college told me I’d be good at PR, so I decided to become a public relations expert. But when I was 20 I couldn’t keep myself away from the journalism classes and I decided to become a writer instead.

It’s been 10 years since forming that plan and I’ve taken a few detours along the way. I thought for a minute, when I was 23, that I wanted to become a singer again (sans the hairbrush and imaginary Oprah), but decided against it. At 25, fresh out of college, I became a publicist and at 27, a communications manager. Then I became a producer, a tour manager, and an art director too.

I’m 30 now and have somehow found my way back to writing (although I’m not quite sure it ever left me). But I’ve also added photography and sewing and creating and painting and business-owning to the list. And yet I still find myself asking, “What do I want to be when I grow up?”

Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Don’t wait to become. Just be who you want to be right now. Be more of what you want to see in the world. And I think, sometimes I get so caught up in the “becoming,” that I forget about the “being.” Do you ever do that?

Yes, there is still so much I want to become—a wife, a mother, a singer, a teacher, a dancer, a world traveler, a mountain climber, a chef. More hopeful. More faithful. More patient. More steadfast. The list goes on and on.

But it’s who I am today that determines who I will become. So rather than, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” (although I still think that’s an important conclusion to come to), I’m beginning to ask myself “Who am I going to be today?” (Underoos optional.)

Dear Darling {3}

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Dear Darling,

I was thinking about this the other day and I don’t know if you know this already, but just in case, I thought I’d let you know that I’m not really a “dozen roses kind of girl.” I mean–don’t get me wrong. I’m not going to send you packin’ if you bring home a bouquet of long-stems (in fact you’ll probably get lucky if you do) but I don’t need that much. A few daisies tied with string will do the trick just fine.

I just thought you’d like to know.

Love you.

xo,
me

p.s. having said that, you should also know that one of my Rules of Thumb is: Fresh flowers make everything better. (Translation: Bring flowers often.)

Remember that Time I Was on TV?

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When I lost my job four (four?!) months ago, I was relieved, angry, hurt, excited, shocked, and relieved (did I already say that?). I was also a little nervous and a little bit “blank” about what to do next. But oddly enough, I was never scared. Not once. Not in the least.

In fact, when people would find out that I’d lost my job, their faces would fill with worry and concern, but I was always like, “Eh. It’s no biggie. It’s better this way. It’ll be fine.” And I really meant it. I am certain that this uncanny amount of calm has come from 1. an abundance of God’s Spirit and love, and 2. the reality/certainty that I wasn’t supposed to be there anymore. I was supposed to be doing something different and though it stung, everything happened the way it needed to happen.

So now I’m doing something different. It’s by no means perfect. I’m by no means perfect. There’s still so much to figure out. And I’m certain that I’ve not yet arrived at the destination of my life’s calling. But I’m following my talents and passions and promptings to wherever they lead. And I’m trying, everyday, to maintain pure motives so that I can also follow wherever God leads.

And because of that … I can see the blessings. I can see the doors opening and the path being made clear. Opportunities are falling into place. Goals are being accomplished.

Wow. That was a really long intro to what I was planning on writing about today, which is: my segment on Good Things Utah went GREAT! Thanks to everyone who watched. And thanks for the emails and comments filled with good vibes leading up to the show today. For those of you who missed it, here’s the piece:

And just so you know…it went so well that THEY ASKED ME BACK FOR ANOTHER SEGMENT IN FEBRUARY. So put Feb. 18 on your calendar when I’ll be sharing another great fabric craft.

Oh! AND I just crossed #70 off my list of 101 Things to do in 1001 Days.

Here are some still shots of the segment:

p.s. Granddad: Just click your mouse on the triangle that’s inside the circle in the video image above to play the segment. And make sure you show it to Grandma. She made me promise I’d tell you how to do watch the video.

Welcome to the NEW Site/Blog: KristaMaurer.com

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Well! What do you think?!

I really, really hope you like it and I really, really hope everyone who “grew with me” the last couple years at the Haystack of Light will follow me over the river and through the woods to this new site.

I must admit … I’m a little nervous about the change. My old site was comfy and cozy, broken in, and fit just right. This one’s so shiny and new and I’m learning more about it every day. So I hope you’ll bear with me as I enable all the links, post all the pictures, and wear her in just a bit.

I also want to send out a special welcome to any new visitors who found me through Good Things Utah. It was so fun to spend a few minutes with you this morning! I hope you’ll stick around and join in the fun we have here. I really, really love my readers (they’re so great!) and am happy to have you with us!

So. Since this is new to everyone (myself included), let me point out a few things:

1. The RSS feed. It’s that orange button at the top, on the far right side of the navigation bar. Click that button and you’ll be subscribed to my posting feed. Or you can CLICK HERE and it’ll take you to the same place.

2. The Mailing List. It’s over on the right column just above the ads (which aren’t really ads, but I can’t figure out how to change that Heading). If you’d like to recieve periodic emails filled with great stuff, leave your email and I’ll be in touch. I promise not to give your email out to anyone. And I promise not to email every day. (How annoying would that be?!)

3. Island Belle Boutique is now ONLINE! Yip yip! I thank you for your patience and encouraging nudges to get it up. I’ll be adding new items every week, so I hope you’ll stop in to shop often. There’s still a dozen more items to photograph and upload, but it’s a start. :) And in honor of the new site, and because I need to make room for my 2010 creations, I’m having a sale on all baby items through the end of January.  CLICK HERE TO SHOP

4. And finally, since this is all a little scary and because change is hard, I thought I’d make it a bit more fun by offering a CONTEST! So to welcome my old readers to the new site, and to welcome my new readers to the new site, I’m giving away three handmade gifts.

a) this brown and turquoise paisley print hand bag. Fully lined with a magnetic snap closure. Uh, SO cute!

b) Pink poppy headband. Thin wire = comfortable fit. Sweetly romantic accessory.

c) “Be Still and Know” — a fine art print. 5×7 matted photograph (taken by me). A soft reminder and beautiful piece of art. To see just the photo, click here.

To enter the drawing for one of these three gifts, leave a comment below. To receive additional entries, you can:

  • subscribe to the RSS feed: CLICK HERE
  • become a fan on Facebook: CLICK HERE
  • follow me on Twitter: CLICK HERE
  • “heart” Island Belle Boutique on Etsy or subscribe to the store feed: CLICK HERE
  • blog about this new site or my Boutique being up and running online

You’ll receive one additional entry for each of those actions. But be sure to let me know in the comments what all you do! I’ll announce the winners on Monday, Feb 1.

So I think that’s everything!

I can’t wait to see where this road leads me, and I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride. Thanks again for being my friends.

Here’s to life and to dreams … CHEERS!